THE DAMNED – Brisbane, Australia 7th June 2023
Brisbane’s sold out crowd were warmed up with a gothic post punk rock energetic set from local band Sacred Hearts who through their “proudly queer and politically active” brand, aggressively target addiction, female experiences and religion. The band’s passionate and often theatrical performance was clearly appreciated by the crowd.
With an excited sold-out crowd roar, The Damned entered the Princess Theatre stage. Vanian, splendidly adorned in a black fedora, black pin stripe suit, matching gloves and shades and Cuban heeled suede boots, immediately commanded centre stage and broke out into the first of the night, ‘Street of Dreams’, originally released in 1985 on the Phantasmagoria album.
Supported on his right by the enigmatic and mischievous Captain Sensible, Paul Gray on bass, Oxy Moron on keys and Will Taylor on drums, the band, formed in 1976, in envious defiance of their almost half a century of performances, smashed through their play list.
The excited, bouncing and packed crowd joined in with their favourites, the set, mixed with recent releases from their April 23 released ‘Darkadelic’ album such as ‘Invisible Man’, ‘Wake the Dead’, ‘Motorcycle Man’ and more, captivated and entertained each and every one of us lucky enough to be here.
The Damned are not a band who are up their own arses, after all these years their feet remain firmly on the ground and connected to the real world. Their recently released ‘Beware of the Clown’ is a clear political poke at the clowns who control the masses from the UK’s 10 Downing Street, but as Captain Sensible warned the Brisbane crowd “You’ve got one or two in Australia too, as has America!”
Continuously communicating and connecting with the crowd, the band took the piss out of each other throughout the night, Captain Sensible, in addition to often threatening the crowd with a rendition of “Happy, Happy Talk”, talked about a “New single” and questioning “How’s that work with Spotify, whatever that is!” Vanian replying with a dig in clear reference to the Captain’s advancing years and lack of understanding of technology.
A clever quip from Vanian which may have been lost on some was when asking how everyone was doing, he looked to the balcony and on waiting for a response, managed to slip in a famous old John Lennon line by informing them to “Just rattle your jewellery”, well, it gave this old man a giggle!
To watch one of the world’s best punk bands enter a stage, immediately connect with their audience, perform to such a high level, clearly enjoy themselves and, combined with humour, entertain a packed out theatre with their musical ability and talent is an exhilarating experience. Vanian’s voice is sublime and as strong as ever, combine this with the Captain’s magic on guitar, the genius bass of Gray and the enigmatic Oxy on keys, who much to the delight of all, took momentarily control of centre stage and performed what can best be described as a quick time, toe tapping extravaganza.
The band’s latest addition Will Taylor, is also outstanding on the drums. It’s often mentioned that music brings people together and that is what has occurred here last night, the crowd, a mixture of all ages, departed happy, connected in a clear demonstration of approval and support for this iconic band and legendary performance, long live The Damned and hurry up back!
Review & Photo’s: Terry O’Hagan
